2007 Bucs Draft Review

I thought i’d take some time to look back at the draft class of 2007. All the talk pre draft was that the Bucs were nailed on to take Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech with the #4 pick. However come draft day the Lions took Johnson at #2 and the Bucs took Gaines Adams the Defensive End from Clemson. Could Adams replace Simeon Rice at DE on the Bucs line ?

Could Adams live up to the expectations ?

Round 1: Pick Gaines Adams DE Clemson

I think it was fair too say that the jury was out for the first half of the season as to whether Adams would turn out to be a busted pick. He had big shoes to fill in replacing Simeon Rice, and for the first few games he struggled to adjust to life in the NFL. However as the season progressed Adams began to impress in the rotation and by the Arizona game in early November he was the starter. I’d say Adams has had a solid season as a rookie and there’s a lot of positives to take from his first season.

2007 Stats:

Tackles 37, Sacks 6, Forced Fumbles 2, Passes Defensed 2

Round 2: Aaron Sears OT Tennessee

I was somewhat taken aback when the Bucs announced this pick in Round 2 as I thought the last thing the Bucs line needed was another rookie to line up with Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood. However Sears settled in preseason but looked a doubt for the start of the season as he picked up an injury. However he was fit for week 1 and has been a starter ever since. With veteran Luke Petitgout outside him, Sears had a great mentor however it was short lived as Petitgout was lost for the season. Sears looks to be a part of the Bucs line for a long time to come.

Round 2: Sabby Piscitelli S Oregon

I was expecting Piscitelli to be the Safety that would be making the headlines for the Bucs this season, however that accolade fell to another safety. Piscitelli was a solid contributor on special teams until his season was ended when he broke his foot on special teams action against the Rams in Week 3.

2007 Stats:

Tackles 3

Round 3: Quincy Black LB New Mexico

A solid contributor on special teams where his pace has enabled him to make 20 tackles this season. Considering the strength in the LB core Black has seen as much playing time as I expected

2007 Stats:

Tackles 20, Forced Fumbles 1

Round 4: Tanard Jackson CB/S Syracuse

The steal of the ’07 draft ? Jackson beat out the competition in training camp and has played the position like a veteran. It’s a staggering transition to the NFL when you consider he hadn’t played Safety until the Senior Bowl. Like Arron Sears he should be wearing pewter for a long time to come. He also provided one of the hits of the season when he levelled Colts TE Dallas Clark